Organic Gardening-Basics Sherry Beaty Howard County Extension Agent Agriculture What is Organic? Organic agriculture is defined as "an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain, or enhance ecological harmony. The term "organic" is defined by law as opposed to the labels "natural" and "eco-friendly," which may imply that some organic methods were used in the production of the foodstuff, but this label does not guarantee complete adherence to organic practices. Goals of Growing Organic The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people. Reasons to Garden Organically Imitates nature’s own process Organic gardening harmonizes with nature. Replenishes nutrients & organic matter Optimum soil & plant health Maximum garden productivity Efficient use of space & recycling of waste Healthy Soils Balance of Nutrients Community of Healthy Bacteria Animal & Plant Organisms Good Structure & Texture History of the Organic Movement Started with British Agronomist Sir Albert Howard in India. (circa1926) Sent there to apply modern chemical methods on model farm Found-traditional natural fertilizers produced better and healthier crops. Used scientific techniques & natural material to make humuslike soil enrichments thru composting. Organic Gardening Today Organic methods are gaining ground Public concerns about food supply/safety USDA recognized that organic farming is economically competitive in agricultural system. Food can be grown organically in large farms, homestead plots, suburban backyards, urban community gardens & rooftop or windowsill containers. What Is Soil? Soil Structure- ability to hold air and water for plant roots. Important to keep soil- porous, crumbly, and fertile 3 substances determine texture ◦ Sand ◦ Silt ◦ Clay Sand Test-Shovel or spade goes in easily Feels gritty between your fingers Has a coarse texture Loose, light, water drains quickly thru large particles Drains too quickly Silt Feels Powdery Smaller than sand particles Clay Hard when dry Slippery when wet Particles are microscopic Tightly packed together Hold onto nutrients Doesn’t like to share nutrients w/ plants Dense & hard to work Puddle when wet, cake & crust over when dry. Difficult for roots to penetrate. Discover Your Soil Type Need: Heavy sand will drift ◦ Quart jar w/ lid to the bottom ◦ Handful of dirt Medium grade silt in ◦ 2/3 of a quart sterile the middle water Clay on top ◦ 1 tsp dish soap You should see a ◦ Put everything in the clear line between jar layers ◦ Shake up ◦ Let it settle overnight Perfect Soil 40% Sand 40% Silt 20% Clay No matter what your soil type is the addition of organic matter (OM) such as: compost, manure, & other natural materials will improve structure & texture & add nutrients. Organic Matter (OM) AKA Humus-when it is fully decomposed Spongy & absorbent Holds water & nutrients Added to sandy soils increases substance & supports plants. Added to clay soils lightens and aerates- allows plant roots, water, air & nutrients to pass. Earthworms Biggest asset to your soil Mix soil ingredients Improve soil structure by churning air & nutrients Provide channels for air & moisture Increase nutrient quality Microorganisms Take up soil chemicals, then slowly release them as they change or die. The control harmful pathogens. Building Better Soil Making & using compost Composting-imitates the natural process of biological reduction of waste to humus. Microorganisms help break down plant & animal tissue. Green Manure crops- turned under to increase organic matter. How Organic Matter Helps the Soil Feeds microorganisms Provides nutrients Breaks down plant nutrients Improves soil structure Better soil aeration Crumbly texture that retains moisture. Breaks up clay & holds sand together Helps soil resist compaction Darker color allows soil to warm up quicker Safe Organic Insecticides BT or bacillus thuringiensis Insecticidal soap Diatomaceous earth Rotenone Sabadilla dust Horticultural oils Beneficial Insects Honeybees Lady bugs Lacewings larvae Dragonflies Ground beetles Parasitic wasps Praying mantis Weeds indicate pH Acidic soils Alkaline soils ◦ Dandelion ◦ Ironweed ◦ Dock ◦ Pennycress ◦ Horsetail ◦ Peppergrass ◦ Sorrel ◦ Woody aster Helpful Organic Hints Lime & manure are a bad combination. Don’t add them @ the same time. Don’t use the leaves of black walnut, eucalyptus, or laurel trees to mulch your garden. They have a compound that stops new growth around them. Lightning storms are good for your garden. All electrical activity releases N into the soil. More Helpful Hints Leaving black plastic down for more than a few months deprives the soil of air & water. Visit your barber to intimidate deer. Grow wildflower garden in your yard & you may get a colorful bonus-- butterflies References The Basic Book of Organic Gardening http://www.arhomeandgarden.org/landscapi ng/SpecGardening/organicgardening.htm Make sure that any reference you choose provides research based information. QUESTIONS?? .